GETTING ABOUT
There are many ways to get out and about around Dalyan. The local buses (Dolmus) are an efficient and cheap way of seeing the local area and are a great way of getting to other local towns or Turtle beach. They depart from Dalyan town centre but can also be stopped by flagging them down. The buses run from early morning until late at night and as an example of price, Ortaca which is 10 km away is only 2.25 YTL each person.
You can also use the local cooperative boats for many sightseeing trips, including turtle watching or just cruising up the river into the lake. There is also a frequent boat service to Turtle beach.
In Dalyan you can also hire bikes, scooters and of course a car should you wish to explore further afield. If you are interested in any of these please let us know and we will be glad to help arrange it for you.
THINGS TO DO in and around DALYAN
If you wish to see more of the surrounding area there is the Dalyan Delta to explore with its' abundance of wildlife, (including Turtles), a beautiful beach to enjoy as well as many historical sites, boat trips and outdoor activities to choose from. This area offers a huge variety of landscapes to explore.
Below is a selection of the many things to do in the Dalyan area:
Iztuzu (Turtle) Beach: Iztuzu beach is beautifiul and great for a swim but its real uniqueness lies in the wildlife. The beach is a nesting ground for a rare species of turtle.
Caunos Theatre / Ruins
Rock Tombs
Sultaniye Thermal/Mud Baths: Another popular activity is to take a mud bath on the bank of the river. The mud supposedly contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium which are beneficial for the skin and overall health.
River Turtle Watching
Boat Rides & Excursions: From the central quay located in central Dalyan you can take a river cruise to one of several interesting destinations.
Other Activities: Jeep Safaris and Scuba Diving can be arranged from Dalyan, in addition to Bird Watching, Sea Kayaking, Horse Riding, Sea Fishing, Crab Fishing, Mountain Biking and Tennis to name but a few more activities.
LOCAL WEATHER
Spring comes early to this region, with no temperature below 10C even in mid winter. By March the sun is warming & reaches 20C, in April 27C is not unusual and the countryside is ablaze with flowers. May through to October the sun can peak in the high 30's and in July and August you will see around 13 hours of sunshine a day, but the flora remains lush and in the cooler days of Autumn you still don't need anymore than a very light fleece at night! On average you will have 9 hours of sunshine per day in April and 8 in October. November still sees an average temperature of 19C.
White Water Rafting: Raft through spectacular narrow gorges and grade 4 rapids, as well as gliding down the river.
Microflight
DALYAN
Dalyan makes shopping easy from it's selection of supermarkets which are also open on Sundays, grocers, butchers, bakers and boutiques. There are many cafes and restaurants offering a great selection of Turkish and international cuisines. There are also many bars and restaurants along the waterfront, some overlooking the rock tombs, which offer an ideal location for a quiet drink and a spot of people watching.
Dalyan town centre is closed to motor traffic in the evenings, except taxis, during the summer which makes it a safe pedestrian area.
The Iztuzu sandy beach, (open from 8am to 6pm), can also be reached by boat, from Dalyan, through a delta of reeds with winding canals and over 1510 species of birds, past the famous rocky valleys of the Lykier. The beach is a particular attraction as it is the breeding ground for the Caretta Caretta turtle which hatches between May and October. The area around Dalyan is a large nature reserve.
Saturday is Market Day in Dalyan
Superb new build Villa - completed May 2008
and now available to rent.
If you would like to see enormous trio nix (greenhead) turtles then take the early morning River Turtle Watching trip. It's an early start but well worth it. See video below. Alternatively, you can take a boat ride to see the Caretta Caretta Turtle.
There is a public boat service twice a day which leaves from the pier in Dalyan.
Rock Tombs: It's hard to miss the imposing Lycian Rock tombs that overlook the town from the cliffs just across the river.
Move your mouse onto either the picture above or below for another view
Restuarants: Storks at the Ley Ley Cafe and Restaurant near Dalyan. Free transport is available from anywhere when you call them.
Dalyan Waterfront: View of the many boats at the waterfront with the Minaret in the background. The Mosque is located in the centre of Dalyan and was first built in 1552 during the Ottoman rule.
Square in Dalyan: Small square located next to Migros supermarket, (open 7 days a week).
Other Information on Dalyan: The post office (PTT) has been moved to where the town council building was to make way for a new landscaped square. The turtle statue is one of the first things you see in the town centre and with the post office gone there is now a view to the Mosque and the river. Ground lighting in the cobbled square provides a wonderful ambience for an evening stroll.
Horse Riding in Dalyan: You will be matched up with a suitable horse or pony before starting out on a wonderful journey around the beautiful Turkish countryside. All types of terrain can be experienced including mountains, grasslands and open plains.
Rock Climbing in Dalyan: There are three different areas to go rock climbing: Angel, Temple and Zion. The Angel region is 5km from Dalyan on the Iztuzu Beach road.
Guided Tour ~ Saklikent Gorge
Saklikent Gorge is the longest and deepest gorge in Turkey. You have to walk through ice-cold water to get to the other side of the river if you want to see inside the canyon. An unforgettable day of brilliant sightseeing.
Walking / Hiking in Dalyan: There are various trekking tracks suitable for walkers around Dalyan. The first of these runs from Gokbel to Iztuzu and with short breaks could last about two to three hours.
Bird Watching Sites in Dalyan: various bird species can be found round the Dalyan delta including White Tailed Eagle, Common Buzzard, Black Kite and Kestral.
